Alas! how many will, when too late, regret their neglect of, or contempt for Christ! A Few years ago, the Prime Minister of England stepped across Downing Street with a friend, who wanted some information from one of the Government officials. They entered the particular office, and on inquired for the Head of the Department. They were curtly told to “wait” by an insolent young clerk, who did not even look up from his newspaper. Presently, he added the order to “wait outside.”
When the principal official returned, he was thunderstruck to find the Head of the Government sitting with his friend on the steps of the stone staircase. Equally surprised was the clerk, when, to his dismay, he learned by his dismissal the result of his careless insolence.
In earthly things, men bitterly regret “chances” lost or thrown away, and yet we treat with indifference our opportunities in the spiritual life. With slow and sorrowful steps the compassionate Savior obeyed these requests, and departed from those souls whom He would have so gladly blessed. — W. Hardman